Royal Suite - Civil Partnership - Honeymoon Cruise

Sail Date:
January 2011

Destination:
Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Embarkation:
Southampton

We thought it would be a good idea to book the night before in a hotel due to recent weather conditions, so we stayed in the Devere Hotel which is only a few minutes away from the dock gates, which was very good nice breakfast too. We were advised that boarding the ship would not take place till 13.00 as deep clean was being performed, we waited around 20 minutes, then dropped off the cases and parked the car. We booked the royal suite as a honeymoon treat for us both, but before I go any futher, NO, WE DID NOT WIN THIS AT BINGO (a couple asked if we did, made me laugh though he he)...

After checking in which is always such a breeze at Southampton, the concierge James came and greeted us and escorted us straight to the suite, (which was really nice as cabins/suites were not ready until 15.00pm).As you open the double fronted doors, you are met by marble and carpeted entrance, with a cloakroom to your left complete with a shower and basin. Futher into the suite is the More
beautiful baby grand piano that plays itself, and seating for at least 8 people, one of the sofa's converts into a bed, complete with marbled bar area and sink, main tv and dvd, with tea and coffee facilities. Onto the balcony, which consists of a hot tub for two, two sun loungers and a large table and chairs to seat 4 people, the balcony is roughly four balcony lenghs deep. Back one set of double doors close to the massive bedroom with king size bed, a further tv and dvd player, loads of drawers and walk in wardrobe, with four full length windows allowing a sheer drop view of the sea, its amazing to see. Then onto the bathroom, double gold sinks, double walk in shower, toilet and small sink in the second area of the bathroom.

We choose my time dinning and really suited us, the food has improved slightly since last August, also we tried an evening meal within the suite but all three courses arrived together and thus was cold, but breakfast room service was great with a full suite menu choice too. Visted chops grille several times, amazing steaks and mushroom soup as always, wonderful food and great service. We find booking a suite is a great way to relax for us both, we really love and enjoy the concierge lounge of an evening, few drinks, nibbles, meeting old friends and making new ones, so worth paying for the extra benefits.

We had seen most the shows a few times previously, elton john, ice shows, all very good, but we don't mind. Port days, well had visited most of the ports previously several times so stayed on mostly and enjoyed the ship, its so quiet onboard, we are finding the ship is the destination more than the ports these days. On the first of the last 3 sea days through the help of James the concierge we thought it would be great to organise a soire within the suite, over 25 attended, with plenty of room for more never felt crowded.

Conclusion... we had an amazing holiday on a wonderful ship, staying in a superb suite, met up with some great friends and made new ones to, infact we have rebooked this cruise for next year in a grand suite which is our favourite suite...